Pool Ladder Automatic Wash-Down System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool ladders with automatic wash-down systems are inefficient in cleaning feet due to limited nozzle coverage, wasteful water usage, and inability to distinguish between entry and exit scenarios, leading to dirty pools and water wastage.
Innovation Solution
A pool ladder with strategically positioned nozzles on each step, sensors to detect user presence, and a controller to automatically turn on water flow only when entering the pool, ensuring thorough cleaning while conserving water by turning off when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If water nozzles are secured along only one rail of the ladder portion, then the device structure is simplified, but the coverage area and cleaning effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water nozzle system is segmented into multiple independent nozzles distributed across both rails of the ladder, with each nozzle serving a specific step. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire ladder surface while maintaining structural simplicity through modular nozzle placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Water nozzles are strategically positioned at specific locations on each step to provide targeted cleaning where needed. The local quality principle is applied by placing nozzles only at steps requiring cleaning (when climbing up) rather than uniformly across the entire ladder, optimizing water usage and cleaning effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If water nozzles are located at a distance from the middle of the steps, then the installation is simplified, but the cleaning capability is further limited
Solution Approach 1:
Water nozzles are pre-positioned on the ladder steps during manufacturing to optimize cleaning coverage. The preliminary action principle ensures that nozzles are correctly located before installation, guaranteeing effective cleaning coverage without complicating the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If water sprays are generated in both climbing scenarios (entering and exiting), then the cleaning function is always available, but water is wasted and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The water nozzle system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the user's climbing direction. Sensors detect whether the user is climbing up or down, and the controller activates nozzles only during upward climbing (pool entry), making the system adaptive to different usage scenarios and eliminating unnecessary water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback about user presence and climbing direction. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to intelligently determine when cleaning is needed (only during pool entry) and activate nozzles accordingly, preventing water waste during pool exit scenarios.
4Ease of operation
If separate space is provided for hoses, showers, or basins, then foot washing function is available, but space requirement increases and water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot washing function is merged with the pool ladder structure itself. Water nozzles are integrated directly into the ladder steps, combining the entry/exit function with the foot cleaning function in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate washing facilities and reducing both space and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pool ladder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for entering/exiting the pool, offers steps for climbing, and simultaneously functions as a foot washing station through integrated nozzles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate washing facilities while conserving space and resources.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides effective foot cleaning with targeted water usage, reducing dirt entry into pools and conserving water by only activating the wash-down system during entry, thus maintaining pool cleanliness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A pool ladder with strategically positioned nozzles on each step, sensors to detect user presence, and a controller to automatically turn on water flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pool ladder with an automatic wash-down system for cleaning a person's feet before entering a swimming pool. The pool ladder includes a staircase to allow a person to climb into the swimming pool. The wash-down system includes nozzles positioned in the staircase to direct water spray towards the person's feet. The wash-down system further includes sensors to detect the presence of the person on the staircase and a controller to regulate the flow of water to the nozzles, based on signals from the nozzles, for automatic washing of the person's feet when the person is standing on one of the steps of the staircase.